I'm going to say this from the outset: Mawal Gardens is one of my favourite places in London. The score of 3.5 reflects more towards what I believe would be pertinent for a first timer to judge it by, rather than a personal bias.
I've been in this place, in one way shape or form, for the last 13 years. Originally a pub called The Rifleman it had, in those days, a well earned reputation for being a safe haven for the under-age drinker (and the back-room meeting place for a the white supremacist organisation "Blood and Honour"). At only 14 years old when I would frequent the pub, I can vouch for this.
But times change, and the owners wanted to cash out. Over the years, the pub became a multiple different restaurants, all of which faced a similar fate; never quite shaking the stigma of the place it had been, and failing to make rent. All, that is, until now.
Mawal Gardens is a miniature Lebanese paradise in the otherwise lacklustre squalor that is the Hanworth Road, Hounslow. Most impressively (to me), a home to all smokers, with their legislation-bending , pseudo-indoor smoking area, their range of shisha flavours is quite incredible (£10-£25). Though not to everyone's taste, the thick, heady aromas wafting through the "outdoor" area creates a truly foreign ambience. Inside, the restaurant is tidy and clean, if somewhat sparse, though the decorations do make up for this on a minor level.
The food, however, is what makes this place stand out from other shisha bars. With a menu consisting of authentic Lebanese classics, cooked to perfection, it would be difficult to give it higher praise. A few personal recommendations, and essential dishes for my partner and I, would be the sawda dajaj (chicken liver in pomegranite and lemon), labneh (a tart strained yoghurt), and arayes (meat filled unleavened bread). The mint tea, too, is a work of art.
There are 3 downsides, as far as we've ever noticed. The first is that the service leaves something to be desired. Generally, calling out to a waiter as he passes is the best way to get someone's attention. However, there are many times we've been there where there just aren't enough staff. On the other hand, this isn't the place to attend when you're in a rush, so for once, the lack of speedy service isn't as big a drawback. One can just relax and wait with fresh tea and a smoke whilst the staff try to get their heads on straight.
The second problem is that they don't serve alcohol in any format. Catering to a predominantly Muslim crowd, it just isn't an option. So if you need a wine or beer with your meal, you just won't get one.
Finally: The outside area really is where the buzz is. All the atmosphere is focused in this area. The inside seating is generally dead, which is a shame, as I have visited with my parents who don't smoke and can't stand it. Thus, it would not be appropriate for them at all. They did, however, still love the food.
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